Word: chattanooga
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Dates: during 1880-1889
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When the spring of 1864 opened Gen. Sherman was in command of the western forces, which lay encamped several miles in front of Chattanooga. The Confederates, with a somewhat smaller force, had prepared to block any forward move and lay at Dalton, in northern Georgia. Gen. Joe Johnston was their leader. Sherman's aim was to capture Atlanta in Johnston's rear. With this aim in view he approached the enemy. All the resources of art and nature had combined to aid the latter. Mountains and entrenchment's strengthened his position. Sherman threatened the Confederate rear and Johnston retreated...
...four months with a loss of only 30,000 men he had captured Atlanta, fought a crafty foreman and overcome many natured difficulties. Johnston and Hood had lost 35,000 men. Sherman refitted his army and rested for a month. Mean while Hood began to attack his communications toward Chattanooga. Sherman moved back after him and repaired the railways destroyed. In this manner, one chasing the other, the two armies had almost reached the starting point again. After corresponding with Gen. Grant, Sherman determined on his famous march to the sea with Savannah. Sending back part of his troops...
...forces should accomplish their object by the capture and permanent possession of this important city the first step toward a great scheme would be accomplished. Then the loyal citizens of eastern Tennessee would be protected, and Kentucky, free from inroads, would be saved to the Union. Moreover, from Chattanooga railways led either north and east to Lynchburg and Richmond in Virginia, or southeasterly to Atlanta. By following either of these routes the Union generals hoped to break up the Confederacy at a single blow. After much delay Rosecrans moved forward and compelled Bragg who was blocking the road and passes...
Bragg's plan of attack on the Union army, most of which was now, Oct. 19th at Chickamauga Creek, was to turn its flank and gain possession of the indispensable road back to Chattanooga. During all of that day there was heavy fighting with but little advantage to either side. This was only preliminary. During the night Rosecrans reposted his army, and in the morning was in a better position to resist attack. This was soon made by Polk on our left, which was commanded by Thomas. Although hotly pressed, the left wing stood firm and Thomas called for reinforcements...
...could not be dislodged. Another day's events undeceived him. As Hooker was delayed by a broken bridge, Thomas' corps charged across the valley and up the steep heights driving the enemy. Sherman also carried the northern position of Bragg, and the Confederate army was in full retreat. Chattanooga was safe, and henceforward the base of supplies. The states of Tennessee and Kentucky were secure, and the way was opened for an attack upon the very centre of the Confederacy which...